Anthem releases updated lists of covered telehealth services

Anthem, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, has released new state-by-state lists of covered telehealth services. Practices can view the lists by visiting this Anthem page, selecting their state, using the dropdown box under “Category” to select “Administrative Policies,” and then clicking the “Allowed Virtual Services (Telehealth/Telemedicine)” link. Most of the payment lists will be identical, but some states may have specific codes based on regulations, so be sure to view the list for your state.

The telehealth coverage list updates are part of Anthem’s new virtual visits policy, which began Nov. 1. Under the policy, Anthem will continue to allow payment for professional and facility telehealth visits between patients and physicians regardless of originating site unless provider, state, or federal contracts or regulations indicate otherwise.

Anthem pays for both professional and facility virtual visits at distant sites for telehealth delivered via live audio-visual platforms through a secure and private data connection. The company also covers remote patient monitoring services. Professional services should be reported with place of service “Telehealth 02” and will be eligible for non-office place-of-service payment (some services may require a modifier. See Anthem’s policy for full details).

If you have questions regarding the new policy or allowed virtual services, you can contact your local Anthem network consultant. To find your consultant, follow this link and select your state.

— Brennan Cantrell, commercial health insurance strategist, American Academy of Family Physicians

Posted on Nov. 30, 2021 by Brennan Cantrell